In a dimly lit room, Yū-chan sat at a low table, his expression serious as he discussed the latest threat with Aiko. "The merchant known as Kurokawa has been distributing a new drug called 'Eclipsium.' It's highly addictive and lethal if taken in excess. We've already lost too many to its grip."
Aiko nodded, her face etched with concern. "We need to find the source and stop it before more lives are ruined."
Just as Yū-chan was about to rise and investigate further, the door slid open, and a woman entered the room with a calm demeanor. Her expression was composed, betraying no urgency. She quietly took her place, and Yū-chan and Aiko filled her in on the situation regarding Kurokawa and the deadly drug.
Yū-chan then inquired, "We've also heard about a young man who broke into the village and defeated a warrior wielding an ancient weapon. Do you know anything about him?"
The woman shook her head slowly, her calm eyes reflecting sincerity. "I never saw him. It was as if he appeared and vanished like a ghost."
Kage, who had been lying in the corner pretending to sleep, couldn't help but open his eyes. They glinted with a sharp, almost dangerous intensity, a clear warning to anyone who might consider messing with him. If anyone had been watching, they would have seen the fierce gaze, hinting at the hidden depths of his true nature.
Ryōshi stood at the dojo's entrance, his gear meticulously prepared for the mission ahead. His resolve was unwavering, but as he turned to leave, Kage rushed up to him, eyes pleading. "Let me come with you, Yū-chan. I can help."
After a moment's hesitation, Ryōshi nodded. Together, they moved swiftly through the forest, leaping from tree to tree with the grace and agility of seasoned warriors. Despite his best efforts, Kage began to lag behind, his stamina tested by the relentless pace set by Ryōshi.
Finally, they reached the urban center, a sprawling area dominated by a heavily guarded mansion. The mansion was an imposing structure, surrounded by high walls and patrolled by vigilant guards. Ryōshi and Kage stealthily made their way to a vantage point, observing the scene below.
In the mansion's opulent office, the merchant Kurokawa sat behind a massive desk. His appearance was as intimidating as his reputation. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down the left side of his face, giving him a permanently sinister expression. His eyes were cold and calculating, and his slicked-back hair added to his menacing aura.
Standing across from Kurokawa was a man dressed as a messenger. Unlike the merchant, he was lean and nondescript, designed to blend into any crowd. His manner was brisk and efficient. The two men were deep in conversation about the distribution of Eclipsium, the highly addictive and lethal drug. They discussed supply routes, potential new markets, and strategies to evade law enforcement.
Kurokawa leaned forward, his voice low and menacing. "We need to ensure that our supply routes remain undiscovered. The authorities are getting too close. We must divert their attention elsewhere."
The messenger nodded, his tone equally serious. "I've already arranged for new distribution points in the northern districts. We'll use the old trade routes to avoid detection. Our contacts in the underworld are ready to move the product as soon as we give the word."
As they finished their discussion, the messenger turned to Kurokawa and said, "You have guests outside the mansion. We can't continue this conversation here." With that, he vanished almost as quickly as he had appeared, leaving no trace behind.
Ryōshi, ever cautious, paused before they made their move. He turned to Kage and asked, "Are you skilled with a sword?"
Kage shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Not really," he replied, his tone casual.
Without another word, Ryōshi leaped into action, moving so swiftly that the guards barely had time to react. His movements were precise and deadly; with a series of fluid motions, he knocked out each guard, sending them into unconsciousness. As he paused to glance back, he saw Kage still watching from their vantage point, casually waving at him.
Ryōshi motioned for Kage to follow, and Kage quickly snapped out of his relaxed posture, preparing to jump down. Just as Kage landed, Ryōshi's instincts flared. His hair stood on end as a bullet whizzed past his face. He swiftly identified the sniper's location, but his concern immediately shifted to Kage, who had barely avoided the shot. The bullet grazed Kage's outfit, narrowly missing him.
Both men had scarves wrapped around their faces to conceal their identities. They exchanged a brief, intense glance, then split up, running in different directions to confuse the sniper and the now-alert guards. The mansion was suddenly a hive of activity, with guards scrambling to respond to the intrusion.